Noida: Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Greater Noida is carrying out an ‘Obesity Week’ awareness campaign from March 9 to 14 to promote early screenings of obesity related complications. The initiative, organised by the department of medicine, coincided with World Obesity Day.The institute will offer free FibroScan tests to obese patients to detect fatty liver and other liver-related complications at an early stage. Free DEXA scans will be provided to postmenopausal women above the age of 45 who are suspected of having osteoporosis.GIMS Director Brigadier Dr Rakesh Gupta said that cases of obesity and associated lifestyle diseases have been steadily increasing in recent years, making awareness and early diagnosis crucial. “Obesity has emerged as a major public health concern. Sedentary lifestyles, lack of physical activity and unhealthy dietary habits are some of the major reasons behind the growing number of cases,” he said.”Such campaigns aim to encourage people to get screened early and adopt healthier lifestyles to prevent complications such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems.”During the campaign, patients can consult doctors at the institute’s medicine, gynaecology and obstetrics and orthopaedics outpatient departments.“Fatty liver disease is often called a ‘silent’ condition because many people do not experience noticeable symptoms in the early stages,” said a doctor. When symptoms do appear, they may include persistent fatigue, general weakness and mild pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen. As the condition progresses, individuals may begin to experience unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, and a feeling of fullness. In more advanced cases, fluid may accumulate in the abdomen, a condition known as ascites, leading to visible abdominal swelling and increasing discomfort.
